Technology
Sensorlink delivers high-precision corrosion and erosion monitoring solutions.
Global cost of corrosion has been estimated to USD 2,5 trillion per year or 3,4% of global BNP (NACE, 2017). In addition, uncontrolled metal loss increases the risk for loss of containment, resulting in industrial accidents (fires, explosions) with considerable consequences for assets, personnel, and the environment.
Sensorlink’s non-intrusive solutions, based on pulse-echo ultrasonics, contribute to more efficient corrosion and integrity management, reducing risk for unexpected events. Continuous monitoring allows more efficient tuning of corrosion and erosion control measures, contributing to extended asset life, more cost-effective maintenance and reduced plant downtime.
Ultrasonic wall thickness measurements
Sensorlink employs ultrasonic pulse-echo technology for accurate wall thickness measurements using permanently installed sensors. These sensors eliminate the uncertainty of manual ultrasonic measurements, offering precise monitoring of corrosion and erosion, thus, enabling early detection and timely actions before damage occurs. They can be relocated if needed.
Temperature changes can affect ultrasonic measurements because the speed of sound and wall thickness vary with temperature. Hence, temperature is recorded with every ultrasonic measurement and integrated into the algorithms that convert UT traces into wall thickness data.
High-Precision Technology
Sensorlink’s advanced signal processing algorithms deliver market-leading data quality, with wall thickness measured to an approximate accuracy of 0,1 mm and, more importantly, real-life precision for metal loss often observed around 2,5 µm (subject to temperature fluctuations and pipe surface conditions).
For optimal measurement quality, direct contact with the metal surface is recommended. Measurements can also be performed through coatings up to 0,7 mm thick if the surface is in good condition; thicker coatings may require additional signal processing.
High-resolution measurements are achieved through:
- Permanently installed sensors for repeated measurements at the same location
- Advanced signal processing
- Electronics with high signal-to-noise ratios
- Optimal transducer placement relative to the pipewall
- Electronics and tranducers capable of operating at great depth and high temperatures.
- Real-time data delivery, automated measurement, logging, and analysis
Data Access and Management
The Sensorlink Swarm® Server software is recommended for efficient data management, interpretation, and reporting. However, as the ultrasonic raw data is converted in the field instruments into wall thickness, temperature, and a “quality stamp”, users are able to access data directly without additional software or support.